


Patriotic and 
Promiscuous Poems 



m 



BY 

Blair Wolf 



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Patriotic and Promiscuous 
Poems 



By 
BLAIR WOLF 

Winterset, Iowa 



Copyright /f/03y Buir-Wf^^f- "^ 



TSS^*^.^ 



CONTENTS ' r\l'l\^ 



If 
The Soldier -__-__----_-- --.---7 

Retrospective ------------------9 

Thirty-fifth Iowa -----------------11 

Woman and the Relief Corps -------------13 

Hard Tack ------------------ 15 

Camp Strong ---------- ----^----17 

The Women of Muscatine ----------'----19 

The Missing ------------------20 

The Patriotic Picture --------------- 23 

The Old Army Shoe ---------------- 25 

The Cavalry ---_----_------_-_ 29 

Our Country's Defenders -------------- 29 

Our Fallen Brave ----------------30 

West Liberty ----------_----_-_ 32 

The Woman's Relief Corps -------------33 

Decoration Day ---------_---____ 34 

An Incident ------------------34 

Our Soldier Dead -------__--_-___ 35 

Reply ------------------ --36 

The Reception ----------_--____ 37 

The Old Battlefield ---------_-_-_-_ 37 

Washington ------__-_-_______ 33 

Putting DoT,^n the Rebellion ----------- -38 

Company F, Forty-Ninth Iowa ------------41 

The Ladies of Savannah, Georgia ----_--_-_- 43 

The Vacant Room ----------__-___ 45 

Reply .to the Silent Room --_---------__ 4r> 

Our Flag --_---__---_-______ 47 

The Pioneers ------------------48 

My Sisters' Golden Wedding ------------- 52 

Appeal of the Old Bell - - - -,%-:- - - - - - - - - -53 

McKinley Campaign - - - -,-'-1 - -- _ - _ _ - --54 

Abe Lincoln ----_--_----__---- 55 

Parody on Washington -----------_-__ 56 

Toast ---- _ ___ __ _________ 57 

Response - ----_----____ ___-57 

For Book of Quotations --------------- 58 

For the Aged ------------_---__ 58 

Leap Year ----------___-___._ 58 

Christmas ------___---_-_____ 59 



©CU268023 



, ^ ■ INTRODUCTION 

On the 9tli of August, 1862, I enlisted in the United 
States Volunteer Army,' for three years, or during the Civil 
War. Later our company (G) was assigned to the Thirty-fifth 
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, whose first camp was on Muscatine 
Island, near the city of Muscatine, Iowa. While there a num- 
ber of the soldiers subscribed for tbe Muscatine Journal. At 
one time during the following winter several of our regiment 
were in the General Hospital at Cairo, Illinois, myself among 
the number. One day one of them asked me if I had seen an 
article of poetry published in the "Muscatine Journal" and 
written (by a private of our regiment) on a building at Camp 
Strong. I had not seen the paper, but asked him him if he 
could repeat any of the lines. After he repeated some of them 
I told him I had written it while on guard there. No doubt 
but I would have forgotten the circumstance had it not been 
called to my mind. I think it was about twenty-four years af- 
ter the war and while our regimental associations were having 
tlieir second reunion at Muscatine. I went to the "Journal" 
office and in the files of November, 1862, I easily found the 
following items: 

Camp Strong, Nov. 14th, 1862. 

The following original lines, author unknowTi^ shows that 
there is a Poet in the ranks. They are recorded on the door 
post of the Secretary's Office at the entrance of the Fair 
Grounds. The place is noted for the number of empty clothing 
boxes, but very little else. A guard is kept there day and 
night, but Vvdiat he has to guard is hard to make out. As it is 
Beat No. 14, of course the new relief does not pass without hav- 
ing a new guard every two hours. As none but privates are 
placed on the beats, to one of that class belongs the credit, I give 
it ver hatim. — 

I'll stack my gun and write a line 
To show you how I pass the time. 
I'm placed here now to guard the door. 
And all this vast amount of store. 



But soon I'll leave for Dixie's Land 
And never on this beat I'll stand ; 
And when I leave this world of grief 
I hope to join a new relief. 

And when the heavenly course I run 
Will need no bayonet or gun, 
But mingle with the hosts above 
Where all is harmony and love. 

A large space might be filled with interesting items from 
the guard line that take place by night and by day. When I 
hear again from the author of the poetry I will let you know. 

Henry. 

I think the principal of the Hi.gh School in my na- 
tive place (Marlboro, Stark County, Ohio), must have been 
an enemy to poetry, for he cautioned us severely against any 
attempt at such composition. Yet his idea might have been to 
keep us in abeyance until more mature years, and then lest the 
disposition break out of its own accord. At any rate, his ad- 
vice influenced me for some seven or eight years, until the silent 
watches of Camp Strong. If 'No. 14 had been a walking beat 
instead of an irksome standing one, the muse might have been 
suppressed indefinitely. Thanks to Henry (or whatever his 
right name is) for rescuing those few lines from oblivion. Such 
as they were they were the cause (in after years) of numerous 
requests from comrades and others for something more from 
iny pen. This caused me to produce something occasionally. I 
have lost some of my productins though the action of some 
newspaper reporters who would (after the adjourament of a- 
meeting) be among the first to request copy and after promis- 
ing faithfully to return it, would never do so. I never wrote 
for money, but am thankful for the manner in which my efforts 
have been received ; and in this connection I must mention a 
circumstance of the Spanish- American A¥ar. I was then living 
at Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa. Tipton and vicinity furnished 
a great portion of Company F, Firty-ninth Iowa. After suf- 



fering the heat of summer and the ravages of disease, the regi- 
ment was removed in the fall from the swamps of Jacksonville, 
Florida to the suburbs of Savannah, Georgia, where thej were 
treated with respect by the people of the city. They were there 
but a short time before being orderd to Cuba. The troops in 
Camp at Savannah numbered from fifteen to twenty thousand 
on Thanksgiving day. But what was that to an army of Sa- 
vannah ladies who poured out from the city and took the whole 
camp by surprise, put up tables and loaded them with one of 
the greatest banquets and profusion of liowers ever known to 
history. I was requested by the Soldiers' Aid Socety of Tipton 
to thank the ladies of Savannah for the splendid Thanksgiving 
banquet. The poem sent for this purpose was published in the 
^^Savannah ITews" and the publisher sent me a copy. Dr. C. 
Backman (the oldest practicing dentist in Savannah) although 
then a total stranger to me, also kindly sent me a copy of the 
paper containing the poem and it was published by our home 
paper. The kindness of the Doctor and Mrs. Backman brought 
about a very happy correspondence between our families and 
when I sent a poem on ^'The Vacant Room of Our Soldier 
Boy" the Doctor had it published and answered by a poet friend 
of his, whose poetry expressed sympathy and hope for the safe 
return of our boy. After the regiment returned from Cuba the 
Doctor sought our son and entertained him at his home and 
when he was sick in the hospital, both he and his estimable wife 
carried baskets of nourishment and tried to prevail on him to 
accept the hospitality of their home until he became well. Long 
and happy life to our southern friends, and the same to 
''Henry" if living, and I will be very thankful to any of my 
readers if they can put me on his track, for the ''Journal" force 
could not give me his proper name or place of residence. If 
dead, I want to know it, and say peace to his soul, and if living 
I want to thank him for what he has done for me and request 
permission to write his epitaph. And now, gentle reader, what- 
ever appreciation you may have for my productions please re- 
member that the influence of "Henry" was in no small degree 
back of it all. And now as I send the portion of 



my patriotic and promiscuous poems contained in this 
small volume on its mission, I hope you will not criticise, but 
charitably ascribe to it, whatever consideration and merit it 
deserves. Those of the Thirty-fifth Iowa who are poetically in- 
clined can see that I have taken no title upon myself, but in 
justice to them can say that the circumstances here narrated are 
solely responsible for your humble servant being called the poet 
of the Thirty-Fifth Iowa. ^.^ ^ ^ ^/^^^^ 



PATRIOTIC POEMS 



THE SOLDIER 

In times of old, when kings were cro^\rtied 
And courtiers danced their giddy round, 
And monarchs held supreme control 
And worldly power was their goal, 
Who were the men placed at the helm 
To guard and keep the conquered realm 
To execute what e'er was planned 
And guard with safety all the land ? 
The Soldier. 

When infant settlements were planned, 
And danger lurked on every hand. 
Wild beasts, wild men, were waiting there 
Crouching, springng from their lair. 
Or waiting on some nearby hill 
To satiate their greedy will, 
Who trod their rounds with weary feet 
And gave the people rest and sleep ? 
The Soldier. 

When Uncle Sam wore baby clothes 
And Britain in her wrath arose 
And taxed the tea and all the stamps 
And maybe candlesticks and lamps, 
Who were the men among the rest 
That always did their very best 
To drive oppression from our shore 
And stay its progress evermore ? 
The Soldier. 



When England ploughed the mighty main 
Across the seas, her wealth to gain, 
She claimed the right to search our craft 
Then turn around and jest and laugh 
And say ''A Britain always so" 
^'Our motto is wher'er we go" : 
Who brought them down upon all fours 
And sent them horiie to do their chores ? 
The Soldier. 

When Mexico was careless quite 
Of all the rules of nations right, 
And traced an order on her slate 
Her debts she would repudiate, 
We brought them to a sudden pause 
And taught them to respect our cause, 
And yet with all our zeal and zest 
Who of our people taught them best? 
The Soldier. 

When haughty tyrants played their roles 
And bought and dealt in human souls, 
They claimed the right if they should will 
To call their slaves on Bunker Hill, 
Another right they all agreed 
That from our Union to secede; 
Who showed them plainly, one and all. 
That all such plans must surely fall? 
The Soldier. 

When it was thought that haughty Spain 
With foul intent blew up the Maine, 
And then grew turbulent by spells 
And forced our men to prison cells, 
And slaughtered Cubans by the scores 
Just as they did in former wars. 



Who taught them lessons quite intense 
And brought them to their sober sense? 
The Soldier. 

Men may talk both loud and long 
With oratory, good and strong, 
And bid the common people wait 
While they shall guide the Ship of State ; 
But when the ship gets into danger 
From inward foe or pirate stranger, 
What is the Captain's last resort 
To bring the ship safe into port'^ 
The Soldier. 



RETKOSPECTIVE 

I often turn back to the year 'Sixty-one 
When conflict of slavery with Freedom begun 
The thoughts of a moment, results of an age 
Are all written out on that wonderful page, 

And plainer than pictures that hang on the wall 
I see the dark shadows that spread over all ; 
Disloyal debating, dissention and strife 
Are quenching the fountains of liational life. 

The flag of our county is trampled in dust 
The hand of the traitor is wreaking his lust, 
The hordes of rebellion from near and afar 
Are dealing swift vengeance in pillage and war. 

Our country's defenders, the loyal and brave 
Are marshalling armies the country to save. 
They are leaving their homes and families dear 



And hastening onward^ their comrades to cheer. 

^Mid thunder of battle and carnage and smoke 
Thej smite the oppressor and loosen his joke, 
And the terrible volume is only begun 
With defeats and successes as time passes on. 

The land is in sorrow, depression and fear 
With gloomy forebodings the outgoing year, 
Herculean effort the next year was made, 
The tide of oppression was hopefully stayed. 

But yet in a balance our destinies hung, 

And furious engagements that no human tongue 

Attempts to relate, but attempts it in vain 

The numbers of thousands of wounded and slain. 

The third year of carnage, the greatest yet seen 
When bloodshed of battle oft crimsoned the green, 
The heaviest engagements the world ever knew 
And stubborn rebellion was severed in two. 

Vicksburgh has fallen and Gettysburgh won 
The dark clouds are yielding a glimpse of the sun, 
The loyal are hopeful and firm in their cause 
Unyielding in justice, maintaining the laws. 

The fourth year of sorrow and some months beside 
Saw victory sail in at the flow of the tide; 
Our land forces gathered at beat of the drum 
The living returned unto kindred and home. 

But Oh ! the bright lives that wlientout in the storm 
That spread o'er the nation in death-dealing form 
How often remembered in silence and tears. 
Through all of the seasons of swift passing years. 

Tall statues of marble can never impart 

10 



A balm for the anguish and aching of heart 
That is felt at the loss of our heroes so brave, 
Who gave up their lives, our loved country to save. 

Fond memories linger on each passing breeze 
That is wafted to us from the Southern seas ; 
May nature'siriglitgarlands forever entwine 
'Round the graves of our fallen in beauty sublime. 

Let the foot of the stranger in reverence tread 

In each burial place of our own country's dead. 

And all of our people as years cycle 'round 

Deck the graves of our heroes wherever they're found. 



THE T 11 1 R T Y - F I F T H IOWA 

When the flag of our country was flung to the breeze 
And proclaimp>S new nation o'er land and o'er seas, 
It gave us a birthright for life to possess 
The rights of the free in the land of the West. 

But when foul rebellion arose in the land 
And spread through the Southland from river to strand 
The Is'orthland stood firm in upholding the laws 
And marshalled its armies to fight in its cause. 

And when our great chieftan called yet for still more 
The loyal responded from shore unto shore. 
Amid that great army, the nation's best gift 
Marched in solid column the grand Thirty-Fifth. 

Of all none were more hopeful than this band of men 
Their number a thousand, their companies ten; 
They feared not the hardship, they -feared not the strife 
To them home and coimtry were dearer than life. 

11 



They stood up for justice, thej fought for the truth 
That loyal battalion of manhood and youth, 
To follow their journey through all those dark years 
Death, sickness and sorrow and sad weeping tears. 

Bereft of the comforts of mother or wife 
They die among strangers of fall in the strife. 
It would fill a large book that no one could write 
Save the God of our battles that watched o'er the fight. 

The living pressed onward 'till victory won 
And then the march homeward at last was begun; 
With glad hearts and joyful as onward they come 
To meet friends and kindred and pleasures of home. 

Abreast the great river at last they are seen 
And steer for the harbor of old Muscatine; 
Thronged citizens gather, while hats they uplift 
And thrice hearty welcome the old Thirty-Fifth. 

Oh ! where are they now, those Ten Hundred Men ? 
Many sleep in the valley, the mountain and glen, 
Some are limpng along and shattered in health 
Some have little to keep them and few are in wealth. 

But of all the great favors that fall unto man 
Is the joy of our meeting together again. 
Leaving business behind us without a regret 
Have a Reunion together, we'll never forget. 

And when all our cares and our sorrows are o'er 
Transportation be furnished to Heaven's brght shorcil 
And the Guardian Angel the wicket will lift 
And welcome each boy of the old Thirty-Fifth. 

12 



WOMAN AND THE RELIEF CORPS 

To all firm believers of that excellent book 
Which tells of the fruit that our parents partook, 
You find that the man was the first on the ground 
And spent most of his time in looking around ; 

Beheld trees and flowers from stem unto root 
But had little knowledge of flavors of fruit, 
But when Mother Eve appeared as his spouse 
She straightway began to provide for the house. 

She gathered some apples, enough to suffice 
To bake for their dinner a couple of pies, 
She already believed in cooking their food 
But Adam was lazy and got her no wood. 

He sat in contentment and quoted the law 
That all fruits forever should be eaten raw; 
That man was well punished since then, you will note 
The chunk of raw apple still sticks in his throat. 

And by this we prove the origianl plan 
Of woman's creation superior to man. 
She helped along when he tended his flocks 
And lived in a tent on the mountains and rocks. 

And when he became yet more civilized 
She helped him to build in the midst of the wilds. 
She sailed o'er the breadth of the treacherous main 
And stood by his side in the woods and the plain. 

She lived in her cabin in danger and dread 
And oft gave to others her morsel of bread, 
And heard the loud war-whoop of savage wild men 
Resound through the forest and echo again ; 

And between the bright morn and the sunset's red glow 

13 



Beheld all she loved in her presence laid low, 
And yet never faltered or murmured complaint 
'No matter how saddened or weary or faint. 

She helped to build up all the wealth of the East 
In which present people can revel and feast. 
She went to the West, as every one knows 
In the midst of the prairie she planted the rose. 

She came to the Rockies with never a rest 
And foot-sore and weary passed over their crest. 
And down in the vales of that beautiful land 
She planted the orange longside of the palm. 

She raised up the children from near and afar 
Who made themselves famous in peace and in war. 
Whenever our nation was toiling in strife 
jSTo heroes were braver than mother and wife. 

To help our foefathers their freedom to gain 
They molded the bullets that conquered the slain ; 
They bound up the wounds and they kneaded the bread 
On which patriot soldiers were wont to be fed. 

When later old England our country assailed 
And well for our people ingloriously failed, 
The power of woman arose in its might 
And with her assistance gave strength to the fight. 

When dread civil war, this beautiful land 
Deluged with blood from ocean to strand 
The prayers of our women were ever again 
A. strength to our armies, the struggle to gain. 

They stood by our soldiers in field and in camp 
When pallor spread o'er them with pestilence damp. 
As sisters of mercy they worked in the rows 



Of wounded and dying in hospital clothes. 

In these later years, in our contest with Spain 
The kindness of woman was present again, 
The same gentle touch and the closing of eyes 
Of comrades whose spirits had fled to the skies. 

The old army veteran bowed in his grief 
Gives thanks to his Maker for Woman's Relief 
In fighting life's battles though weary and sore 
He takes up new courage by help of the Corps. 

Go search the world over, no better you'll find 
To heal up the wounded in body and mind, 
'No body of workers throughout all the land 
Have ever done better for suffering man. 

They come to his aid at the time of his need 
Witii never a thought of his doctrine or creed, 
They nurse the good wife and the children caress 
And dispel every want in the way that is best. 

Now to these good sisters my tribute I bring 
And consider them greater than Duchess or King, 
For in God's creation to make us more human 
He sent us an angel and called it a woman. 



HARD TACK 

When wrapt in reverie I find 

Swift thoughts come thronging on the mind, 

I think of days when I was small 

And chased with glee my hoop and ball ; 

Of days of maple syrup saps 

And mother's pies and ginger snaps ; 

15 



Of doughnuts too, there was no lack; 
But then we never knew Hard Tack' 

We had some cares, of course we did 
And so does every little kid; 
Feet frosted with the winter snow 
The stone bruise on the bare-foot toe. 
The measles and the whooping cough, 
Or sleeping up on some dark loft; 
But trials more we had to back 
When old enough to eat Hard Tack. 

But when big boys we grew to be 
As comely as you'd wish to see 
We brushed our coats and combed our curls 
And looked askance at pretty girls ; 
Sometimes we saw them home from church, 
Sometimes they left us in the lurch, 
And bade us please to just step back, 
With hearts much harder than Hard Tack. 

But darker days have come to all 
When haughty pride must have a fall ; 
The rising storm is seen afar 
As onward comes the march of war, 
And maiden, mother, wife shall weep 
And silent dreary vigils keep 
And scarcely for a moment lack 
To think of those who eat Hard Tack. 

For lover, brother, husband, now 
Have registered a solemn vow 
To live or die, as chance may be 
For equal rights and liberty, 
Down at the front they march along 
And mingle with the mighty throng, 

16 



Each hoping he may soon come back 
And throw away his old Hard Tack. 

Sometimes plenty, often less, 

Sometimes nothing in the mess, 

Ofttimes supperless to bed 

With leaking sky all overhead, 

E'othing for soldiers to admire 

When out of food and out of fire 

But rest upon their haversack 

And dream 'tis filled with good Hard TacJc. 

The weary march, the battles roar 
Comes to the memory o'er and o'er. 
The dead and dying wounded all 
Commingle in one funeral pall; 
You see it all down through the years 
And oft your eyes are dimmed with tears; 
Those by-gone days, they all come back 
When comrades shared their last H^ard Tack. 

Brave heroes sleep in southern soil 
Away from all life's busy toil. 
While some are living good and true 
As in the days they wore the blue ; 
Their scattering locks are turning gray 
And all, too soon must pass away. 
Good people all let nothing lack 
To those who once could eat Hard Tack. 



CAMP STKONG 

Who named Camp Strong I cannot tell 
But he who did it, did it well, 

17 



And looking back I often think 

Of some strong things we had to drink. 

Strong water first and very bad 

To drink the the same would make you sad, 

Strong coffee too, and taste of rust 

Mixed in with sand and island dust; 

And to this day we all agree 
'Twas there we drank our strongest tea, 
And worse than tea was sometimes found 
By thirsty boys who ran up town. 

The camp was by the river side 
Overflown at time of highest tide, 
And from the city could be seen 
Just down below old Muscatine. 

A sickly place 'twas surely true, 
For when the fog raised o'er the slough 
And spread abroad its mantle rife 
You'd almost cut it with a knife. 

A passing breeze the clouds would shift 
And there behold the Thirty -Fifth, 
Their shanties stood ten all abreast 
A.nd formed the row the farthest west 

Then turning left and passing north 
We viewed with pride the Twenty-Fourth, 
The boys who donned their suits of blue 
While our own knees were sticking through. 

They left us one October day 
And down the river made their way. 
And in their place the Graybeards came 
And took their quarters just the same. 

18 



Some weeks together then we passed, 
Until our orders came at last, 
We left the camp and took the car 
And off we started for the war. 

The Graybeards finished up the camp 
Before they started on the tramp, 
They were the last of all the throng 
That ever tarried in Camp Strong. 

The young, the old, the brave, the gay. 
Came in and out and went their way ; 
A few yet on life's billows tossed 
While many more the stream have crossed. 

Kow in our fast declining years 
Come let us hear your hopes and fears ; 
Just ''grab a roof'' and come along 
x\nd let us hear of old Camp Strong. 



THE WOMEIST OF MUSCATINE 

There is many a gem worth keeping 

Produced from countries afar 

But better than these are fond memories 

Reflected from days of the war. 

You may travel this wide world all over 

And tell us all you have seen, 

But you never will change our opinion 

Of the ladies of- Muscatine. 

Not alone of those in the city 
Do I wish to speak of in praise, 
But the women of all the county 
Who lived in the perilous days 

19 



The days of the Southern Kebellion 
And all of the years between 
The loyal true-hearted devotion 
Of the women of Muscatine. 

Always ready for every occasion, 
And eager and willing to do 
Anything for the pleasure and comfort 
Of the chivalrous '^boys in blue", 
And when we were sick and suffering 
Or felt the pangs of adversity keen, 
'None more ready to offer assistance 
Than the ladies of Muscatine. 

Then all of ye "Thirty-Fifth" soldiers 
No matter wherever you roam, 
Come down to the beautiful city 
The city we call our home; 
And never forget the ladies 
But keep their memory green; 
Three cheers for the army and navy 
And the women of Muscatine. 



THE MISSING 

When the days of foul rebellion 
Cursed our land from gulf to shore, 
Then it was that hearts knew sorrow 
That they never knew before. 

Grandparents old and feeble 
Pondered all the live-long day 
At the thoughts that friends and kindred 
Must be counted in the fray. 

20 



But the parents grief was greater 
As they gave their willing sons, 
And the while it seemed the harder 
When they sent their only ones. 

And the noble wife and mother 
Could but wring her hands and pray, 
As she saw her husband father 
Kiss good-bye and march away. 

Then the kind and loving sisters 
Must give up their l/^thers too, 
For they know their country's calling 
For the good, the brave, the true. 

To the young and lovely maiden 
All the future seemed so dark 
When from out their pleasant sunshine 
Her fond lover must depart. 

Fond adieus from friends and kindred 
Were repeated o'er and o'er 
And our country was in sorrow 
All the way from shore to shore. 

Armies passing from the cities 
And along the country ways, 
Marching forth in solid column 
Home and country all to save. 

Lo! the sounds of deadly conflict 
Are soon borne upon the breeze. 
Ere the birds and blossoms mingle 
With the leaves upon the trees ; 

And the wings of death's dark angel 
Spread o'er vale and mountain side 

21 



'Till the weeping wife and mother 
Almost wished they too had died. 

Many homes were rent asunder 
And fond hopes were crushed for aye, 
'Till all kindred meet together 
In a home beyond the sky. 

But of all the mortal sorrows 
That the human soul could rack 
It was this, to get no tidings 
Of the one that ne'er came hack. 

Whether on the field of ,dory 
Or the prisons crowded cell, 
K"o one has yet discovered 
The place whereon he fell. 

Could he but sank to slumber 

On a comrade's loving arm, 

And thus cross the placid liver 

Where the wicked cease to harm, 

I 
The kindred at the hearth-stone 

Would give all the world beside 

For some satisfying knowledge 

As to how their loved one died. 

Thus the parent and the w^idow 
Oft have grieved their life away, 
Still repinino; nnd declining)' 
With a grief they could not stay. 

When the years of strife were ended 
And the armies home again; 
Who could count the many thousands 
That were numbered with the slain. 



22 



Who could count the many heart aches 
That were caused by war's alarms 
Through all the years of contest 
When our country was in arms. 

Credit good to God the Father 
And all wickedness to men, 
And pray no great rebelliDu 
May e'er visit us again. 



THE PATRIOTIC PICTURE 

Come paint me a picture 
To hang on the wall 
And show to my comrades 
Whenever they call. 

As noble a group 

As ever was seen, 

Who would willingly drink 

From the same canteen. 

And now my good artist 
You've got to play fair, 
For one from each order 
Must surely be there. 

Four gray heads must surely 
Appear in the space 
Each having a very 
Conspicuous place, 

The Grand Army Man 
And the Legion are there, 
And .two elderly ladies 
With silvery hair ; 

23 



Each of the pair 
Are no strangers to grief 
The Grand Army Ladies 
And Womans Relief. 

The fair Daughters too 
Those mischievous elves 
Who join with the others 
Or work by themselves. 

And now for our sons 
Who are scattered so wide, 
We must bring them together 
All side by side. 

The S. V. Camp 
And some in the Guard 
The Spanish war vet 
And his Army pard ; 

And our parents 
And family of '61 
And now our formation 
Is only begun. 

Our sweethearts and wives 
And our children dear 
In that same picture 
Must all appear. 

Another old vet' 
Must stand in the row 
Who fought on the 
Plains of Mexico; 

The Regular too, 

Who trod o'er the wild 



24 



And guarded the 
Pioneer's infant child. 

And down in the past 
We willingly delve 
To bring up a face 

From the war of '12. 

And on down the line 

By strict evolution 

Another we bring 

From the Great Kevolutioa. 

I want this grand picture 
To be a surprise 
Portray every feature * 
And kind, beaimng eyes; 

But how shall we group them 
And make them appear 
With all in the front 
And none in the rear. 

I cannot arrange them 
I give up the job 
And leave their position 
To country and God. 



THE OLD ARMY SHOE 

Good woman I've painted 
Your house through and through, 
And now if you wish 
I will gild the old shoe; 



25 



The one in the ^vardrobo 
I saw over there, 
As jou turn to the left 
At the foot of the stair. 

ISTay, painter, it certainly 
N^ever would do 
For strangers to handle 
That sacred old shoe ; 

But I'll take it down 
As I often have done, 
For it is all I have left 
Of mj long lost son 

My husband was dnad 
And my innocent boy 
Was the pride of my life, 
And the height of my joy. 

At the call of our country 
He proudly marched fortli 
And down to the front 
With the hosts of the NortK. 

A few tender letters 
And then all was o'er 
I never could hear 
Of my boy any more. 

But after long months 
Of sorrow and pain, 
They sent me a package 
That came by the train. 

I opened the parcel, 
Examined it through ; 

26 



And only could find 
The old army shoe. 

While scanning it closely 
Though I could not tell why ; 
I read on the sole, 
^'Dear mother, good-bye." 

He surely is gone, 
And 'tis certainly true, 
As a last dying token 
He sent me his shoe. 

My boy was my all 
Let him sleep where he will, 
There's a void in my heart 
That nothing can fill. 

And now kind stranger 
I see you're in tears, 
To think how I've suffered 
These many long years ; 

And now kind lady 
Without more ado 
I'll add something more 
To the tale of the shoe. 

'Twas the spring of the year 
The beautiful May, 
We all were drawn up 
In battle array. 

Your boy at my left 
With myself at his rig] it, 
And in that position 
We entered the fight. 

27 



A minnie ball came 
Our ranks whizzing through, 
And made the plain mark 
On the heel of his shoe. 

And yet farther on 
'Midst the heat of the fray, 
A cannon ball took 
His left leg away. 

I carried him down 
In a valley close by 
His blood flowing fast; 
I knew he would die. 

A keepsake he said 
For my mother so true; 
But there's nothing to send 
Unless it's my shoe. 

I handed it to him; 
And with hand growing cold 
And fast failing strength 
He wrote on the sole. 

We made him a grave 
'Neath a mistletoe bough , 
And marked well the spot, 
I could find it there now. 

He gave me your address 
And whispered it plain ; 
And I sent the package 
That came by the train. 

28 



TO THE CAVALRY 

A critter soldier came dashing by 
And I thought of the days when you and I 
Were marching along in the broiling heat, 
All weary of limb and aching feet. 

We travelled across the burning sand 

Or mud and water on every hand; 

We wondered that men might have the chance 

To wear a pair of "half-soled'^ pants. 

It seemed to us an excellent plan 

That horses should march instead of man ; 

And that is why so many were saved, 

While the footman went down to his early grare; 

Yet away with the man with memory skilled 
Who says no cavalry ever were killed. 
In years of struggle and civil strife 
Both "foot and horse" gave up their life. 

And but a remnant from out the fray 

Are able to meet with us here today ; 

So let them talk of the various ways 

They fought and marched in their army days. 

All hail to the men that ix)de o'er the land 
And the weary feet that pounded the sand ; 
*'Sand 'pounders'* are here in an equal chance 
With the hoys who uwe the "half-soled'' pants. 



OUR COUINTTRY'S DEFENDERS 

They fought to form a nation true 
And built it better than they knew, 

29 



And kept it later when tlie clan 

Of British hordes stood man to man. 

They never let their honor go 
When crossing swords with Mexico, 
And in our bloody civil strife, 
They pledged anew our nation's life. 

They brought our flag without a stain 
Home from the war with haughty Spain ; 
So give to all from first to last 
The honor due to every class. 



OUE FALLEIST BKAVE 

When the graves of our soldiers 
Are covered with snow 
And the gales of stern winter 
Rush furiously by; 



The living should think 
Of the debt that they owe 
For the sacrifice made 
By our comrades who die 

When spring brings her fragrance 
Of buds and of flowers 
To sweeten the pleasure 
Of swift passing hours. 

And picture her landscape 
So rich and so gay 
We've chosen a time 
In the beautiful May, 

30 



To weave the bright garlands 
From nature's rich store, 
And deck the green mounds 
From shore unto shore, 

Where heroes lie sleeping 
In calm, peaceful rest. 
With nature's soft coverlet 
Spread o'er each breast. 

Many are lying 

In places unknown 

With never a word 

Marked on slab or on stone; 

But whether in valley 
Or mountain side steep, 
The feathery songsters 
Their vigils will keep ; 

And each dying autumn 
Like a funeral pall, 
Spreads her rich leaves 
Alike over all. 

With proper respect 
For the deeds of the brave 
Who gave up their lives 
Our country to save; 

Let us never forget 
The lesson they taught , 
And prize every right 
Which so dearly was bought. 

Let Columbia's children 
31 



Have respect for her laws, 
And remember the heroes 
Who died in her cause. 



WEST LIBEKTY 

(For Keunion of 35th Iowa at West Liberty Iowa.) 
You may cross over mountains and valley so fair 
Inhale the sweet breeze of the health-giving air, 
And count all the places of beauty you see 
The beautiful flowers and fruit on the tree ; 
But where is the place where comrades may rest 
All feel at home and partake of the best ? 
West Liberty. 

The flocks and the crops grow strong in the sun 
The husbandman rests when his duty is done; 
The good wife and children are better than kingi 
Because of contentment that happiness brings. 
A community busy as bees in a hive 
A place where all people must certainly thrive; 
West Liberty. 

In times when our natiton was sorely distressed 
And soldiers were wanted to march from the west. 
The Old Wapsie Valley was true to the call, 
Her sons swelled the ranks of the musket and ball, 
And these later years at the bugle refrain 
She sent gallant heroes to struggle with Spain. 
West Liberty. 

It seems as the years in their cycles go round 
'No spot on this earth will ever be found 
With people more willing, faithful and true 

32 



To welcome tlie boys of the Government blue ; 
No matter whatever from whence we may come 
'Tis surely the place we can all feel at home — 
West Liberty. 

We enjoy with the gents and ladies so fair 
A sunshine of pleasure that banisheth care, 
And then a grand banquet the best in the land 
Prepared by the skill of each delicate hand 
Oh ! where is the town that such bounty can spread 
'Till all the old vets in the city are fed? 
West Liberty. 

And now when the comrades will travel their ways 
They will bring to their mind the pleasantest days, 
They ever havf? spent in any good town 
Upon which the old sun has ever looked down; 
And now in conclusion 'tis nothing but fair 
That God bless its people be ever our prayer, 
West Liberty. 



THE WOMAN'S KELIEF CORPS 

Of all the good people who meet in the town 
Or yet farther out in the country around, 
And distribute their blessings on needy and poor 
There are none that will equal our womanly corps. 

In sickness and sorrow they're always on hand 
With niwer a shirker in that noble band, 
But workers who always the idle ignore, 
And none but the faithful belong to the Corps. 

In planning and doing, I'm sure we ckn boast 



There always some distance ahead of the Posty 
On social occasions we yield them the floor 
And always submit to the will of the Corps. 

Auxiliary — never ! we blush with the shame 
Of any poor sinner who gave them the name ; 
For no one is needed to write up their brief ; 
May God's richest blessing be on our Relief. 



FOR DECORATIOlSr DAY 

Pause awhile where sleep the brave 
Strew the garlands o'er each grave, 
Place the flag above their head 
In the city of the dead. 

They served us well and now they lay 
Within their tenements of clay; 
In peaceful rest and sweetest sleep 
The while their silent vigils keep. 

God marks the spot and knows it well 
Where every single comrade fell, 
And when he comes to claim his own 
Our loved ones will be gathered home. 



A^ INCIDENT 

We had been to the Depot, our friends there to meet 
And were drawn up in line by the side of the street, 
"Touch elbows" my comrades I heard some one say 
AYhile giving coTiimand (in a jocular way). 

^4 



I touched to the left, with a feeling quite plain 
And swayed to the right, but a sensible pain 
Stole over my frame while led to believe 
My elbow touched naught but an empty sleeve. 

A story it told of the days of the past 
When the smoke of the battle, the sky overcast, 
When the heroes of blue were mixed with the gray 
And many laid low in the midst of the fray. 

The field fraught with carnage and red rivers run 
From blush of the morning 'till set of the sun. 
And foot horse and rider were closing the space 
Where many brave comrades went down in their place. 

Those battles are over, peace hovers again 
O'er hilltop and valley and mountain and plain; 
May our nation be living when rivers are dry 
And always be lasting as stars in the sky. 



TO OUR SOLDIER DEAD 

We will come to the spot 
Where dead comrades lay, 
And garland their tombs 
In the sunshine of May; 

And think of their deeds 
Of times that are passed, 
And cherish their names 
While memory lasts. 

35 



KE PL Y 

(Reply to Invitation to Regimental ReunioiL) 

Some paint splendid sketches 
To hang on the wall, 
But fancy paints pictures 
At memory's call ; 

And mine draws a picture 
To please you I ween, 
Of welcome sojourners 
At old Muscatine. 

The ''hoys'' are seen gathering 
In one by one, 
Musicians are beating 
Away at the drum 

And every true member 
Of that little band 
Is greeting his comrade 
With shake of the hand. 

And in the commotion 

I plainly can see 

There's room for the comrade 

Of Company G. 

So while you are joining 
In that happy throng. 
Remember your servant 
Is coming along. 

36 



THE RECEPTION 

A time and place where all can meet 
And each their friends and comrades greet, 
And live the young days o'er again 
Forgetting they are gray-haired men. 

Old sisters too, with faded curls 
Can quote the time when they were girls, 
And yet enjoy this life so brief 
Before they join the last relief. 



THE OLD BATTLEFIELD 

Where horrors of war 
Have been overspread 
The calmness of peace 
Is reigning instead. 

The harvester gathers 
His crop in the sun 
Where once was the booming 
Of cannon and gun. 

The lark^ builds her nest 
In the ripening grain 
Where the valleys were red 
With the blood of the slain. 

May the great God of War 
With his withering hand 
Henceforth keep aloof 
From our own native land. 

Let our sons and our daughters 
37 



N-e'er know the harm 
Of the dreadful condition 
Of wars dread alarm. 



w A s II I isr G T o ^^ 

Of all the men e'er known to fame 
Who earned themselves a deathless name 
And helped to formulate a plan 
To give good government to man, 
There was Columbia's favorite son 
Our own beloved Washington. 

We need not ask the sect or creed 
Of those who knew their country's need ; 
He used the force of truth and might 
To battle for the cause of right, 
And never halted 'till he won 
The name of Father Washington. 

There never was an act to mar 
His honor in his day of war, 
And gratitude should never cease 
For all he did in time of peace; 
Let everyland beneath the sun 
Revere the name of Washington, 



PUTTING DOWN THE REBELLIOA^ 

I could not tell whether I'd better enlist 
Than try to fight rebels alone wid me fist 
Of course I would rather have me own way 
And do all the wurruk and have all the pay, 

38 



For what was the use of an ariuj of men 
If I could do all of the fighting and then 
I'd surely put down the Rebellion. 

But while I was thinkin' as sure as the fate 
Behold all me plans were a little too late ; 
They said I would have to join into the ranks 
And learn all their blatherin bothersome pranks. 
They made me believe I'd always feel proud 
And have at my back an illegant crowd, 
Then I could put down the Rebellion. 

They made us all stand in a very straight line 
And dressed us in clothes that made us look fine 
Then gave us a harness wid buckles and straps 
Some little square boxes with buttons and flaps 
And said our supplies had only begun 
And handed to each a very fine gun 

With which to put down, the Rebellion. 

Then clothes and blankets were put on our back 
In spider like fixin' called a knapsack, 
Another fine sack that looked rather neat 
They said it would hold all we wanted to eat, 
Something for drink for every spalpeen 
Was hung on his side and called a canteen 
And helped to put down the Rebellion. ^ 

iN'ow we had to carry this luggage of course 
(While all the big bosses could ride on a horse) 
And often must carry wherever we went 
A nate little cottage they called a pup tent 
A knife and a fork, a tin plate and spoon 
As sure as me name is John Patrick Muldoon 
And I must put do^vn the Rebellion. 

Wid cooking arrangements not very complete 

59 



They did us quite well when weM nothing to eat ; 
Sometimes when in danger provision would lack 
We had some queer crackers, they called 'em *'hard tack 
And some thin and soft almost ready to walk 
And surely created abundance of talk. 
And helped to prolong the Rebellion. 

After we'd sogered some several months 
I got the rheumatics, (it came all at once) 
It drew up my ankle so tight and so sore 
It appeared that it never would walk any more, 
They gave me some crutches to hobble around 
And said that I surely would never be sound, 
Or fit to put down the Rebellion. 

Off to a hospital they sent me at last 
Because my leg was stiffening fast; 
A pompous old doctor with heart very large 
Sat down to a table and wrote me discharge, 
When out of the army the truth I will tell 
I threw down me crutches and walked very well 
And that's how I put down the Rebellion. 



40 



PATRIOTIC POEMS 

(Written during the Spanish-American War.) 

compa:n^y f, FOETY-:NriisrTH iowa 

When spirit of rancor and haughty disdain 
Caused arrogant Spaniards to blow up the Maine 
And deal death and danger both near and afar 
Our country was saddened with terrible war. 

Armies pushed forward with quickening life 
And boldly marched onward to enter the strife- 
'Midst moving battalions all forming abreast 
Behold our young soldiers of Company F. 

In camp at Des Moines with uncertain fate 
They drill and recruit and anxiously wait; 
At last the despatch is sent o'er the lines 
To establish a camp in the Florida pines. 

At the end of the journey without any pomp 
They were ordered to tent in a Jacksonville swamp; 
With days hot as fury and nights that were cool 
And mosquitoes as big as a Government Mule. 

'Mid ponds that were nthy and pools that were vile 
Decay and destruction to every square mile; 
The fumes of malaria in each passing breath 
Forced soldiers to struggle and wrestle with death. 

Death seized on the brow of the youth that was fair 
And ended in triumph his suffering there; 
And many young martyrs were taken away 
Their life going out in the camp where they lay . 

With close of the summer of heat and of rain 

41 



Thej struck all their tents and travelled again; 
This time at Savannah, their banner unfurled 
And all quite agreed they had struck a new world. 

The people were loyal, kind hearted, and true 
To every good soldier who sported the blue, 
Their day of Thanksgiving they'll never forget 
The greatest of banquets that ever was set. 

But pleasures are short at best as they fly 
And soon all our boys bid Savannah good-bye. 
They crossed over ocean and threw out the chain, 
And rode safe at anchor by wreck of The Maine. 

Through filthy Havanna 'twas never a pity 

They marched them eight mile? quite out of the city ; 

And now fairly settled on old Cuban soil 

They rested awhile from their travel and toil. 

With Spaniards and Cubans and strange habitations 
They studied the fixtures and mixtures of nations; 
And yet after all of this foreign training 
Still there was much of the Yankee remaining. 

With four months of duty in Cuban domain 
The Government orders them homeward again. 
Imagine how lively they dance in their shoes 
And throw up their hats as they welcome the news. 

The band, with the cheering not being outdone 
Paraded camp streets to the tune of Sweet Home. 
A few days they waited then marched to the shore 
Embarked to return to God's Country once more. 

Though crowded aboard of a very small ship 
In danger of sinking while making the trip, 

42 



They breasted the billows for many a mile 
Yet landed all safe at the quarantine isle. 

All things from the land of our Cuban relation 
Must here undergo an intense fumigation, 
The process delayed them some five days or more 
Before they arrived on Columbia's bright shore. 

Some weeks at Savannah and then homeward bound 
'No happier boys could ever be found; 
And conscious of soldierly duties well done 
They are welcomed to greetings and pleasures of home. 
* * * 

TO THE LADIES OE SAVANISTAH, 
GEORGIA 

In dreams of their kindred 
And homes far away, 
In camp at Savannah 
The Seventh Corps lay; 

The call of the bugle 
Arose on the air, 
Interrupting repose 
And their visions so fair; 

And now of the weather 
They anxiously pray. 
For all of them knew 
It Avas Thanksgiving day. 

Although cloudless skies 
The morning deposes 
They little can guess 
What the evening discloses. 

Whatever camp duties 

43 



Devolved on the boys, 
The did them quite v^^illing 
Without any noise. 

And not a man winced 
Or thought it a pity 
To see a great storm 
Pouring out of the city. 

Tornadoes of turkeys 
Were hurled into space, 
And cakes, fruits and flowers 
Kept up with the pace. 

The ladies came out 

And showed they were able 

To settle the storm 

Just over each table. 

A far better feast 
Was provided for all 
Then ever was spread 
In Delmonico's hall. 

And those who write history 
This truth may convey 
Fifteen thousand soldiers 
Were conquered that day. 

The Forty-ninth Iowa 
Shared in the fray; 
Our brave Company F 
Were ^^captured'' they say: 

Yet we here at home 
Ever thankful will be 



44 



To the kind hearted people 
'Way down by the sea. 

Those patriot ladies 
So loyal and true 
Will ne'er be forgotten 
By soldiers in blue. 

You boast of the power 
Of sword and of pen, 
But kindness of women 
Will conquer the men. 



THE VACANT KOOMOF OUK 
SOLDIEK BOY 

There is a room in the house that is silent and tenantless 
Just up to the right at the end of the hall, 
The occupant left us one April spring morning 
With the first to respond to his country's call. 

His clothes neatly brushed still hang in the closet 
Hats, caps and cuffs as he left them there. 
Papers, letters, small boxes with trinkets, 
And even the gloves he used to wear. 

The books and the furniture too are the same 
The bed and the chair so vacant withal ; 
There's never a sound or a tread of his footstep 
]^or any response to the morning call. 

The rays of the morning peep in at the casement 
And fall on the downy pillow so white, 
And leaves it the same when the evening sunset 
Sinks to repose in the silence of night. 

45 



We long to see shoes and collar and necktie 
Or books and papers lying about 
The usual swing of the door on its hinges 
Or an echoing sound passing in and out. 

Will he return in the beautiful spring time? 
Or will he come when the May flowers bloom, 
And help to deposit the sweetest garlands 
Over death stricken comrades silent tomb. 

Let it be in the evening twilight 
Let it be in the morning or noon, 
We shall all be anxiously waiting 
To welcome our gallant soldier home. 



PATHETIC EEPLY TO THE 

^^S I L E N T ROOM" 

(By E'ed Henderson, Savannah, Ga.) 

Ken you the room that is silent at present? 

Well open it ! air it ! and furbish up things ! 

For the tenant will home be, some pleasant May morning 

On seagirt Dunfuskie, he now Home Again sings. 

He's even now at the doors of Savannah; 
Get the neatly brushed clothes laid out to his hand, 
The hat, and the cuffs, and other adornments. 
That are dear to the heart of the youth of our land ; 

Sadly he'll need them on arrival at Tipton 
After skirmishing with the quarantine men ; 
They'll fumigate, suffocate, everything on him 
He'll need clothes after passing thi*ough the ^'fuinio-ate 
den." 

46 



Grieve not, at the non response to your calling 
He's busy now answering calls by the sea, 
Though much he'd prefer to answer your hailing 
He's constrained now to answer at dawn reveille. 

Will he come in the spring time your doubtfully query 
Yes, dear ones ; he'll embrace you in a few weeks at most, 
Have the fatted calf killed, and dress chickens and 

turkeys ; 
But say ! keep can beef out of his sight, even should it 

be roast. 



QUE FLAG 

The flag of our fathers 
Is worthy our care 
As the grandest of banners 
Unfurled to the air, 

Since the same starry emblc' 

Decended to us 

Let no jealous eye 

See it trail in the dust. 

'No matter what happens 
We always shall hope 
Columbia's children 
Will keep it afloat. 



47 



PROMISCUOUS POEMS 



THE pio:n^eeks 

When God in liis wisdom 
Made forest and plain 
The river, the lake, 
And the treacherous main, 

To fully complete 
His original plan, 
Took dust of the earth 
And created a man, 

And placed him alone 
In garden and bowers, 
Then sent a companion 
To care for the flowers; 

But this happy couple 
Without a good cause, 
Disobeyed one command 
In regard to the laws. 

Then by their transgression 
Were soon dispossessed 
And packing their things 
Started out for the West. 

And so it has been 
With the children of men ; 
Each in their turn 
Moving westward again ; 

48 



Then crossing old ocean 
With daring and zeal, 
They sought a new empire, 
And there a new field. 

They paused as they touched 
On the pebbly strand 
And offered up thanks 
For the beautiful land. 

But soon their good children, 
Adventurous, free 
Extended their settlements 
Far from the sea. 

The next generation 
E'e'er counted it loss, 
Great mountains and riveis 
To travel across, 

And build up their homes 
From Ohio's broad tide 
To the great ISTorthern lakes 
Extending so wide. 

Then with fast fleeting years 
A generation at best, 
There came the old story 
"We must strike for the west." 

For the pride of the west 
In the distance was seen. 
Like a wide spreading meadow 
All covered with green; 

And the '^Talher of Waters'' 
Could never run dry 

49 



'Till the last pioneer 

Keaclied the ''Sweet Bye and Bye." 

The homes of first settlers 
Somehow it would seem 
Were built near the forest 
Or swift running stream ; 

But to those who came later 
The vision appeared 
'Twas easier farming 
Where land was all cleared. 

And now my kind friends 
While the thread I pursue 
I have come to the time 
I am speaking of you. 

Having crossed the great river 
You came to a stand 
And staked off your claim 
In the ''Beautiful Land." 

With much to encounter 
And much to fulfill, 
A resolute purpose 
And sturdy good will. 

You battled wath tempest 
Ind fever and flood, 
And oft in your travels 
Were stuck in the mud. 

But keeping your courage 
You always allowed 
Behind the dark curtain 
There ^hone a '^brisrlit cloud." 



50 



'Twould take many volumes 
To fill up the years, 
Your joys and your sorrows 
Your smiles and your tears. 

Your struggles and hardships 
And their recompense, 
Were all wisely managed 
By good common sense. 

The while you were toiling 
Both early and late 
You laid the foundation 
And built up a state. 

A state none the better 
Was ever possessed 
By any good people 
Who live in the west. 

You leave to your children 
A legacy grand 
We hope will be cherished 
With reverent hand. 

You'll soon reach the river 
Which many have crossed. 
And ne'er may your bark 
By the tempest be tossed; 

But land you all safe 
On the furthermost shore, 
To answer the roll 
Of the Pioneer Corps. 

51 



FORMY SIS TEE'S GOLDEKWEDDi:tTG 

Away down in the shadowy distance 
Of the bright days that are past and gone 
There is many a fond remembrance 
It is pleasant to linger upon. 

When hopes beat high in your bosoms 
And you thought you had nothing to fear, 
That the fragrant breath of the roses 
Would continue throughout the year. 

One pleasant day in the autumn 
Before chill of the wintry weather 
In heart and hand united 
You started life's journey together. 

;No journey ever so pleasant 
But has trials along the way 
And many a night of darkness 
Is followed by beautiful day. 

You have often thought of your children 
While they were so long away, 
But now their pattering footsteps 
Are with you again today. 

Your hearts beat high with the pleasure 
Of having them home again 
They are still those self -same children 
Only grown to be women and men. 

They think of your years together, 
And none of them spent in vain. 
Your constant faith in each other, 
A solace for every pain. 

52 



Thougli Fifty years together 
And travelling down the slope, 
That your years may yet be many, 
We trust with a fervent hope : 

And when you have crossed the river 
And safe on the other shore, 
May that life be always sunshine, 
And happy for evermore. 



APPEAL OF THE OLD BELL TO FORMER MEMBERS 
OF TIPTOT^T UmON SCHOOL 

Come gather round ye schoolmates gray 
And let us spend a holiday 
Come out into the open air 
And banish every e?rthly care 
Let joyful greetmg here abound 
And music reign with sweetest sound 
And every time the chorus swell 
By ringing out the old school hell. 

Your feet were lithe and glib my tongue 
Tn days wben you and T were young; 
T rei,2:ned as with a roval crown, 
But time decreod ^ ''must come down;" 
Since then I've lived in sad disgrace 
Shut up in some secluded place ; 
But now am out to hear you tell 
How you revere your old scliool hell. 

Your steps have wandered far T ween 
Since days yoii played upon the green; 

K3 



A few have lingered here and wait 
And open out the wicket gate 
In welcome to each heart and soul 
That come and answer to the roll 
But many more 'tis sad to tell 
Will never answe to the hell. 

Their graves are scattered far and wide 
From prairie land to ocean tide 
A number of that noble band 
Lost life and limb in Southern land, 
But few out of the Forty told 
Who answered to the muster roll, 
Are left their hardships here to tell 
And answer to their old school hell. 

Kow teachers, scholars, all that will 

Have parts allotted to fulfill. 

Each of you have some pleasant home 

While I am left to live alone. 

ISTow don't you think it would be fair 

In my old age to give me care. 

And let no stranger ever tell 

You have no home for Your Old Bell. 



FOR M c K I N L E Y CAMPAIGN 

The hosts that gather 'round about 
Have rent the air with joyful shout 
Let every form be palsied, dead 
Who on fair freedom's banner tread. 

Let fiendish Anarchism rife 
!N"o more renew its lease of life, 

54 



Let labor bring its just reward 
And howling demagogues ignored. 

Who teach the worthless money craze 
Throughout the coming autumn days, 
Let every tongue the truth impart 
And swell with pride the nation's heart. 

Protection's aim and noble cause 
Shall be sustained by wholesome laws. 
Let Union sailors motto be 
America on every sea. 

Eing out the shout with loud acclaim 
From Western Sea to Coast of Maine ; 
While from the Gulf an echo flies 
Clear out across the j^ortJiern ekies. 

Let every voice unite as one 
And shout for freedom's loyal son, 
McKinley shall our leader be 
And crown our glorious victorv. 



A BE LI ]NT C O L N^ 

Who argued well for fredom's cause 
And advocated better laws 
To stay the tyrant's swelling powers 
That grappled with this land of ours 
And crushed the poor man and the slave 
With an increasing tidal wave? 
Abe Lincoln. 

Who issued forth the grand decree 
55 



All colored folks should hence be free 
From ocean unto ocean's wave 
]N"o banner float above a slave 
And all our nation must agree 
For equal rights and liberty? 
Abe Lincoln. 



HUMOKOUS PAHODY ON 
WASHINGTON^ 

(Old School book pictures his hatchet like an ax.) 

While Washington was very young 
And while his nerves were yet unstrung, 
He grasped his ax, its blade to try 
And tried it on a tree near by. 

He chopped away with might and main 

Until the tree was lowly lain ; 

To ply the ax was royal fun 

Until he thought what he had done. 

And as the tear sprang to his (;ye 
He sobbed good bye to cheery p:o; 
And left the spot a wiser boy 
While sadness took the place of joy. 

The father passed along the way 
To where the boy had been at play, 
And when he saw what had been done 
He went and called his favorite son; 

"My boy" he said, you plainly see 
Some one has cut that splendid tree,'' 

56 



The lad replied '^^I cannot lie" 
"You bought that ax for me to try." 



TOAST 

"Here's to the years that are stretching ahead 
To the days that are blithsome and gay, 
May the joys of the old be the joys of the new 
And the sorrows fade g'ently away." 

EESPO^^SE 

Like a soft gentle breeze 
Springing up from the past 
And dispelling the gloom 
From a sky overcast, 

So the thoughts of the days 
That forever have fled. 
Give strength to our courage 
And lead us ahead. 

May naught but the sunshine 
Appear to our view 
While life's pleasant valley 
Were travelling through 

May neitlier the prophet 
The seer nor the sage 
Discourage the thoughts 
Of a happy old age. 

57 



WEITTEN FOE BOOK OF 
QUOTATION'S 

While shifting along 
Through this valley of sorrow, 
Corn meal or brown coffee 
Are easy to borrow; 

And nuggets of wisdom 
Yon freely dispense 
By using quotations 
At others expense. 

Corn meal or brov;n coffee 
Are easily earned 
But borrowed quocations 
Are seldom returned. 



FOE THE AGED 

An act, a word to cheer us on 
O'er life's tempestuous seas, 
Are cherished from the days agone 
As pleasant memories. 

To grasp the hand and hear the voice 
Still filled with joyful praise 
Brings badv our youth and aids our strength 
In our declining days. 



FOE LEAP YEAE 

The Eecording Angel 
Has his busy days, 



58 



And don't ahvays take note 
Of the different ways, 

That humanity's history 
Often discloses 
Of the courage or doubt 
Of the one who proposes; 

Yet it makes little odds 
In the usual plan, 
Whether man asks the woman 
Or woman the man. 



CHRISTMAS 

Hail Christmas day of all the year 
We gladly know you're drawing near 
And while it brings good lessons all 
To young and old and great and small, 

This day of all to us was given 
To bring us all more near to Heaven: 
"Peace on earth, good will to men'' 
And truth and justice ever reign. 



59 



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